Not Taking Over

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 236, 6 October 1938, Page 4

Not Taking Over

Government’s Attitude to Whakatane Paper Mills

NO ATTEMPT TO FORCE financial assistance

Per Press Association. WHAKATANE, Last Night. Commenting upon remarks made by Hon. P. Fraser at Dunedin last flight, Mr. H. A. Horrocks, managing- director of the Whakatane Paper Mills, emphatically denied that there had been any attempt on the part of the company to force the Government into giving financial assistance. Furthermore, at no time had there been any stoppage of work at the mill, although 200 men were paid off last May following the completion of the main building. The company since that date ami until yesterday had afforded continuous employment to 156 men. At the present moment it had 85 men engaged at the works. The retention of these men was decided upon at the urgent request of Mr. A. G. Hultquist, M.P., who was fully aware of tho necessity for tho company of conserving expenditure at this juncture and had done his utmost to secure assistance and enable the company to accelerate completion of works.

“I havo this morning received a satisfactory assurance from the Government that it has no intention of taking over the mills,” continued Mr. Horrocks. “What was rumoured in this connection has caused the company and the Government much embarrassment. Financial assistance from the Government is not forthcoming and now the shareholders know the Government’s attitude. Doubtless they had believed that the Government would accord the company full support.”